Former USC kicker David Buehler raised some eyebrows when he performed better at strength and speed tests than some linebackers and offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Buehler -- a robust 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds -- recorded 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench, according to NFLDraftScout.com. That's more than projected first-round picks Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher, tackles who are both listed at 6-5 and 309 pounds. (But neither are going to win tickets to the gun show.)

Buehler even bested his former teammate, linebacker Rey Maualuga, who recorded only 23 reps. And he lifted as much as Wake Forest outside linebacker Aaron Curry, who could be the first pick overall in April's NFL draft. (Should the Lions be thinking kicker?)

Buehler, who made 9-of-13 field goals last season, took over the starting job in 2007 by chance. He originally was recruited by USC as a defensive player (who lifted small cars off children in his spare time).

Even in the 40-yard dash, Buehler's unofficial times of 4.56 and 4.63 seconds were better than USC linebackers Brian Cushing (4.74) and Clay Matthews (4.67).